Recordings

Best Classic Bands offers smart, informed and unbiased assessments of the latest rock album releases and reissues to offer readers guidance on what sounds they might enjoy.

‘Fyfty’ Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd: Review

The new collection may be their best yet, as it embraces all their hits, numerous standout LP cuts and eight potent live performances.

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Joni Mitchell’s ‘Archives, Volume 3’ Covers a Fruitful Era: Review

Throughout these live and studio performances, you’ll have trouble deciding which is more impressive: Mitchell’s music or vocals.

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Grateful Dead Expanded ‘Wake of the Flood’: Review

In the midst of numerous internal changes, the band released one of its most beloved studio albums, featuring several classic tunes.

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Tom Waits Reissues Five Key LPs: Review

Even those who are less enthralled with his work will have to agree that it takes you to a place you can’t get to any other way.

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‘Who’s Next’ Expanded Edition Reveals ‘Life House’ Opus As Pete Townshend Intended

In the roughly five years encompassing Tommy and Quadrophenia, he amassed a mind-boggling song catalog that rivals that of any of his musical peers

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Fleetwood Mac, Live and Flying High: Review

This is consistently remarkable stuff, and serious Mac addicts can be forgiven if they want all the versions they can get.

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Pretenders’ ‘Relentless’: Winning New Music From One of Rock’s Great Singers

The album’s punchy rockers and lilting ballads uphold Hynde’s reputation as one of rock’s greatest and most emotive vocalists.

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The Doors’ ‘Live at the Matrix’ Showcases the Band in 1967: Review

Recorded in concert before they had any hits, the performances reveal a band that was fully formed from the onset.

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John Mellencamp’s Dark But Rewarding ‘Orpheus Descending:’ Review

The Rock Hall inductee doesn’t sound like he did at his peak, but his new album is heartfelt and contains several understated numbers.

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‘March of the Flower Children’: A Rock Anthology Focuses on 1967

If you lived through the late ’60s, this album will spark fond memories and also expose you to some great rarities that passed you by.

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